HOME POLICY ON IMPORTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18946, 16 May 1933, Page 4

HOME POLICY ON IMPORTS.

Recent debates in the British -House of Commons have been of interest to us in New Zealand. The debates turned upon repoits made of agreements entered into with Argentina and Denmark, whigh were challenged by Mr L. C. S. Amerv and Sir Henry Page Croft and a small band of followers.

Sir Henry’s opposition was to any agreement made with any country, which should lead to an abandonment or reduction of tariffs. Mr Amery’s ojection was more reasonable, and was limited to any agreement which should permit of an import from a foreign country which could be obtained within the Empire. There is, of course, a difference between various supporters of protection. Some legard the duties that have been imposed as good things in themselves, and as likely to benefit Britain. Others regard them as bargaining counters,'useful for inducing other countries to reduce duties.

Mr Amery’s position is more likely to receive some support, and he is more vigorous in its advocacy, but it cannot in the long run command respect. The facts are against it. Of British exports slightly over 00 per cent, go to foreign countries, slightly under 40 per cent, to the Dominions. With British imports the position is slightly, but very slightly, better. These proportions have varied very little for many yars, and have not been changed by the depression.

The Ottawa Conference provided a preferential duty for Empire produce, but only for a limited time, and it is by no means certain that it will be renewed. The Home Government is toying with the idea of making British agriculture successful. The intention is admirable, but it will not be brought about by quotas in meat and dairy produce. These things are produced abroad and in the Dominions under conditions of mass production with which Britain cannot compete, though in fresh i milk, cream, fruit and flowers, eggs and poultry there is plenty of room for expansion.

The policy which the present Home Government is pursuing will raise the cost of living without really helping the farmer. In the grass counties the milk is sold to the towns, and this will not be abandoned to sell to daily factories. Nevertheless we must face the fact that the present Home Government are bent on protecting the British farmer, and it is quite possible that the preference we enjoy on dairy produce may be withdrawn at the end of the three years, that is in little more than two years from date.